Nashra Sandhu makes history with Pakistan’s best T20I figures

DUBAI: Pakistan left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu produced a stunning spell against Hong Kong on Monday, entering the record books with the best bowling figures ever recorded by a Pakistan player in T20 internationals.

The 28-year-old delivered a remarkable 6-7 in four overs during the ACC Women’s Asia Cup match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Her performance made her the first Pakistan bowler to claim a six-wicket haul in a T20I.

Sandhu’s figures were also the best by a Pakistani player across men’s and women’s T20I cricket, surpassing the previous national record of five wickets.

Before Sandhu’s extraordinary spell, Pakistan’s best T20I bowling figures belonged to men’s bowlers including Sufyan Moqim, who took 5-3 against Zimbabwe, and Umar Gul, who twice claimed five wickets in an innings.

Among Pakistan women, Sandhu moved past Omaima Sohail’s 5-13 against Sri Lanka and Nida Dar’s 5-21 against Sri Lanka to claim the top spot.

Sandhu dismantles Hong Kong batting

Sandhu’s spell proved decisive as Hong Kong were bowled out for just 71 in 19 overs, giving Pakistan a commanding 72-run victory.

Earlier, Pakistan posted 143-8 in their 20 overs after being asked to bat.

Shawaal Zulfiqar anchored the innings with a valuable 47 off 35 balls, striking six boundaries. Ayesha Zafar added 26, while captain Fatima Sana contributed 24 to help Pakistan reach a competitive total.

Hong Kong struggled throughout their chase, with Kary Chan emerging as their leading scorer. She made 30 from 47 deliveries, including four boundaries, but received little support from the rest of the batting line-up.

Pakistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Sandhu eventually completing a career-defining six-wicket haul.

Sri Lanka next in semi-final

The emphatic victory has sent Pakistan into the second semi-final, where they will face Sri Lanka on September 11.

With Sandhu producing one of the most remarkable bowling performances in Pakistan women’s cricket, the team will enter the knockout stage with renewed confidence.

Her record-breaking spell has also added another memorable chapter to Pakistan’s T20I history, with the spinner now holding the country’s best figures across both men’s and women’s international cricket.